A Travel and Tourism student from Uxbridge College joined Carol Vorderman on a special all-female BA flight to mark International Women’s Day.
Chelsia Afonso, 18, who is one of 32 BA Inspire Student Ambassadors, flew from Heathrow to Glasgow to commemorate this special day on March 8th. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and the flight was planned and delivered by female employees.
Chelsia ( pictured sitting behind the passenger taking the selfie ) became an Inspire Student Ambassador last year after applying for the role following work experience for the company, during which she worked in various customer service areas including at check-in, boarding and in the passenger lounges. As an ambassador she is part of a team of peers and BA staff visiting schools and colleges to talk about the opportunities on offer. These include work experience, apprenticeships and jobs such as customer service representatives, cabin crew and training to become a pilot. She also interviews other students hoping to be selected for the programme.
Chelsia, who is studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism, said: It was a lifetime experience to be part of the BA International Women’s Day flight with Carol Vorderman and such an amazing opportunity to see women working in so many different roles within BA. These included pilots, dispatchers, flight planners, baggage handlers and loaders. It was particularly great to see female pilots on today’s flight because most of the time when I have flown it’s been with a male pilot. I believe that we as women can do anything to achieve our dreams, especially with companies like BA who are doing so much to encourage more women into the industry.
Chelsia has applied for degree courses in Airline and Airport Management, and added : My dream has always been to work as cabin crew but now I’d
All Female BA Flight on International Women’s Day
be interested in a wide range of roles in the industry. Being an Inspire Student Ambassador has been a great experience and something to add to my CV too.
Melissa Bridge, Course Leader in Travel and Tourism, said: We are really proud that Chelsia was chosen for this exciting flight in her role as a BA Inspire Student Ambassador. She is living proof that Uxbridge College’s Travel and Tourism qualifications are a fantastic way into a wide range of opportunities in the industry, especially with our links with Heathrow, as well as offering a springboard onto a university degree.
Comments are closed.